How to hire a mechanical spreader operator

How to hire a mechanical spreader operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step mechanical spreader operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a mechanical spreader operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new mechanical spreader operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a mechanical spreader operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a mechanical spreader operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A mechanical spreader operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, mechanical spreader operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents mechanical spreader operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Mechanical Spreader Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Mechanical Spreader Operator	Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.	$14-27
   Forklift Driver	A forklift operator is responsible for managing and operating industrial trucks and machines to ensure its performance safety and stability. Forklift operators' duties include safely handling of deliveries, securely moving items to storage areas, monitoring inventories and supplies, running diagnostic tests, reporting inspected malfunctions and deficiencies, performing basic troubleshooting, and adhering to safety procedures... Show more	$12-19
   Driver/Warehouse Worker	A driver/warehouse worker is responsible for transporting goods and services from the warehouse or distribution center to specific destinations based on the delivery details. Driver/warehouse workers assist in loading and unloading items from delivery trucks, storing merchandise to the appropriate warehouse areas, operating various warehouse tools and equipment, and inspecting the delivery vehicle for any engine defects that might cause delays... Show more	$12-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • Plumbing
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Safety Procedures
   • Repair Equipment
   • Mechanical Systems
   • Plant Operations
   • Mechanical Equipment
   • Plant Equipment
   • Hydraulic Systems
   • Electrical Systems
   • HVAC
   • PPE
   • Hydraulic Pumps

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Accomplish in arc, gas, MIG, and TIG welding.
   • Manage an internal environmental information system and ensure compliance with EPA and RCRA regulations.
   • Skil in MIG and TIG.
   • Experience with fiber optics, time & PLC programming.
   • Follow GMP rules and current compliance regulations and standards.
   • Assemble all gardening tools, lawnmowers, rakes etc.

   More mechanical spreader operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your mechanical spreader operator job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A mechanical spreader operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a mechanical spreader operator in Florida may be lower than in Idaho, and an entry-level mechanical spreader operator usually earns less than a senior-level mechanical spreader operator. Additionally, a mechanical spreader operator with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average mechanical spreader operator salary

   $42,262yearly

   $20.32 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level mechanical spreader operator salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average mechanical spreader operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Wisconsin	$42,630	$21
   2	Hawaii	$35,346	$17
   3	North Carolina	$33,065	$16
   4	Florida	$32,838	$16
   5	Georgia	$31,925	$15
   6	South Carolina	$28,283	$14

   Average mechanical spreader operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Baptist Health Home Care	$58,107	$27.94	5
   2	Emerson	$51,387	$24.71	17
   3	Bristol-Myers Squibb	$49,409	$23.75	5
   4	Johnson & Johnson	$49,061	$23.59	9
   5	General Mills	$43,040	$20.69	2
   6	DuPont	$42,140	$20.26	19
   7	Synagro	$42,042	$20.21	14
   8	Brink's	$42,001	$20.19	2
   9	Town of Cary	$41,074	$19.75	1
   10	The Mosaic Company	$40,204	$19.33	11
   11	Kelly Services	$39,881	$19.17	121

4. Writing a mechanical spreader operator job description

   A job description for a mechanical spreader operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a mechanical spreader operator job description:

   Mechanical spreader operator job description example

   The Brink's name is a promise to respect the trust we've earned in over 150 years in business. Every employee honors that promise by offering the highest levels of service and support to our customers. We take pride in our work, and we share a passion about our future. Learn why so many people have made the choice to join our team - and stay here.
   Job Title
   
   Coin Operations Mechanic
   
   Job Description
   
   Key Responsibilities:
   Monitor performance of coin sorters and wrapping machines to ensure accuracy of counts and optimal efficiency Maintain specifications by observing operations, detecting malfunctions, inspecting parts and adjusting controls Maintain a parts inventory record and stock of parts. Order replacement parts to minimize downtime (lost production time) in the event that a machine breaks down Ensure operation of equipment by performing preventive maintenance on a regularly scheduled basis following manufacturer's instructions. Troubleshoot and repair malfunctions, escalating to the Supervisor when necessary Monitor and report any issues regarding deficiencies/need for replacement of any equipment to manager Cross-train and cover for other coin room positions as needed Maintain orderly and clean work area, including all adjacent wall, tables, cabinets and storage areas Guard liability and assets
   
   About Brink's
   
   Brink's is the global leader in security and logistics services, trusted by banks, financial institutions and businesses in both public and private sectors. We deliver the currency of the world to businesses in our communities. We do it because we're needed. We do it because we're trusted and valued. We do it because it makes us proud. Brink's Proud.
   
   What's Next?
   
   Thank you for considering applying for a job at Brink's U.S. To be considered for this position, you must complete the entire application process, which includes answering all prescreening questions and providing your eSignature.
   
   Upon completion of the application process, you will receive an email confirming that we have received your application. We will review all candidates and notify you of your status should we deem you fit for a job. Thank you again for your interest in a career at Brink's U.S. For more information about future career opportunities, join our talent network, Like our Facebook page or Follow us on Twitter.
   
   Brink's is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, marital status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or history or any other characteristic protected by law. Brink's is also committed to providing a drug free workplace.
   
   We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find mechanical spreader operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any mechanical spreader operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level mechanical spreader operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your mechanical spreader operator job on Zippia to find and recruit mechanical spreader operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit mechanical spreader operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new mechanical spreader operator

   Once you've found the mechanical spreader operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new mechanical spreader operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a mechanical spreader operator?